Terrifying Dog Attacks Lead to 10-Year Ban for St Austell Man

22 sheep killed, pets targeted and community distressed

A man from Trewoon has been banned from keeping dogs for 10 years after his animals killed livestock, allegedly attacked pets, and caused chaos in the community.

Ross Jan Stone, of Coopeage Farm near St Austell, allowed his dogs to repeatedly stray despite being warned by authorities. The most serious attack saw 22 sheep killed in one incident. A further six sheep had to be put down due to their injuries.

The court heard that the incident involved three of Ross’s dogs. Two were put down following the attack and the third was never located.

Court bans dog ownership after ongoing breaches

Back in May 2024, Ross was issued with a Community Protection Notice by Cornwall Council after his dogs were picked up several times by the stray dog service. Despite the warning, the problems continued.

In December 2024, he was found guilty of five breaches of that notice and was ordered to pay £13,000 in fines and costs. 

On Tuesday 25th March 2025, Cornwall Council applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order at Bodmin Magistrates’ Court to prevent Ross from keeping dogs altogether.

Magistrates were told about the repeated distress and alarm caused in the local area due to the dogs being allowed to roam unsupervised. Social media users also claimed the dogs had killed cats and pet rabbits.

Previous conviction for animal neglect

During the hearing, the court also heard that Ross had previously been prosecuted by the RSPCA. In July 2023, he was convicted of neglect and causing unnecessary suffering to another of his dogs.

Ross did not attend the hearing but was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from keeping or owning dogs for a decade. He now has 21 days to either rehome his dogs or hand them over to Cornwall Council.

Dog laws and responsibilities

It is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control in public or at home. It’s also a legal requirement for dogs to wear an ID collar and be microchipped with up-to-date contact information.

Cornwall Council has advice available for dog owners on how to keep details up to date – click here for more information.